Hands-on
training: Platt Tech students get head start on manufacturing jobs

Published:
Tuesday, January 26, 2010, New Haven Register

By Pamela McLoughlin, Register Staff

MILFORD — U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-3, now in her 10th term, has taken
part in some pretty amazing scenarios during her years in office, but what she
saw Monday at Platt Technical High School left her “truly in awe,” she
said.

“I’m never in my lifetime going to know what these kids know. ...
I’m truly in awe,” DeLauro said, as students patiently
showed her how they are learning to make parts for manufacturers on
cutting edge Computer Numerated Controlled machines that are used today
in many key industries, including aerospace, medical and automotive.

DeLauro had an interest because it was she who secured more than half a million
dollars for the manufacturing technology at Platt at the request of the New Haven
Manufacturers Association, which stressed the demand in its work force for those
skilled in the technology.

And in a unique partnership with Housatonic Community College in Bridgeport,
the equipment will be utilized beyond Platt. HCC’s pre-manufacturing and
pre-engineering students will get hands-on experience on Platt’s
technology during evening classes. In exchange, the details of which
have not been set, Platt students will be able to take college level
courses at HCC to jump-start their post-high school academic degrees.

“This is the next horizon for Platt Tech,” said school principal
Gene LaPorta, who loves the idea of advanced technology and advanced academics
being shared. “High- tech manufacturing is one of the hottest
local industries there is.”

HCC President Anita Gliniecki said it’s a wonderful opportunity for her
school’s students because although they’re developing a simulated
manufacturing lab, until now they didn’t have access to the real
deal for practice.

“With pre-manufacturing and pre-engineering (at HCC), this will be the
final step,” she said.

Robert J. Klanko, New Haven Manufacturers Association Workforce Development
chairman and an engineer, said Platt’s a great place for the government to invest
because they teach “first-day employable skills.’’

“These students are light years ahead of the traditional high
school graduate,” Klanko said. He said there are opportunities galore
for them because they can start businesses or get jobs, even as they go on to
higher education if they choose. Many at Platt do choose college. Invoking the
names of Eli Whitney and Igor Sikorsky, Klanko said manufacturing is always hot
in Connecticut.

Jerry Clupper, executive director of the manufacturers association, said
NHMA partnered with Platt because they need employees in the field. He said the
average yearly income for those in manufacturing is $70,000.

DeLauro, who seemed in her glory meeting girls on track to becoming
engineers, said technology like the new machines at Platt will drive
manufacturing jobs and “it’s more than a living wage.”

“We are in a deep economic recession. We have people out of work, people
who are underemployed looking short term for work,” DeLauro said. “The
long term goal, you have the answer right here. This will drive jobs.
... This is an investment by the state government, the federal government.
This is public investment. This is what Congress should be doing.”

DeLauro had students walk her through the process of making a product
part using the new equipment and asked lots of questions. She warned
them up front: “I
know nothing” and noted most of her congressional colleagues wouldn’t
know what to do with a lathe, rotor and other items she saw at Platt.

Glenn Costa, a supervisor at Schick Wilkinson Safety Razor in Milford,
said his company employs two Platt seniors and two juniors and he’s “amazed
at their talents.”

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